Dutch retailer Jumbo is reportedly planning to extend its operations internationally, with up to 30 new stores in Belgium, according to Retail Detail.
The publication reports that real estate agents have been asked to source suitable store locations for the retailer in Belgium, starting with thirty locations within the next two years.
Earlier this week, Jumbo's chief financial offer, Ton Van Veen, told Belgian publication Gondola that the retail group is interested in establishing itself in the Belgian market, but such a move would take "a lot of preparation and the right strategy".
"First, we want to see what possibilities there are," he said.
If reports are true, an expansion by Jumbo may prove competition for rival Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn, whose parent company Ahold merged with Belgian retail group Delhaize last year.
Further Growth
Jumbo reported that sales rose 4.7% to €3.76 billion in the first half of its financial year, with the business now holding a 19% share of the Dutch retail market.
"Due to our strong market position and continued customer focus, we have laid a solid foundation for further growth,” said Jumbo chief executive Frits van Eerd in August.
“Customers appreciate our store formula and our annual and seasonal offers. We ensure our prices remain low without compromising on quality.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
